British Pie Week 2021: A Roundup of Pie Tips, Tricks and Recipes

With the annual British Pie Week celebrations in full swing, we thought it only right to celebrate the world of buttery, golden, melt-in-your-mouth, freshly-baked pies with a weekend round-up of tips and tricks, as well as all the old favourites. From the stalwart steak and kidney pie, to a vegan spin on a classic, to the beloved apple pie, and everything in between.

Pie fever also gripped the US with Grant Achatz's team at three-Michelin-star Alinea pivoting to pot pies.

Calum Franklin - the King of British Pies

Naturally, any conversation about pies begins with Calum Franklin, aka the King of British pies. The London chef's pie creations are works of art at the Holborn Dining Room, where creativity knows no bounds. From smoked bacon and pineapple, to cauliflower and paneer masala, and chilli beef and cheddar, this pie maker is wrapping up big flavours in beautiful pastry.

Here's Franklin talking pies and inspiration.

How to Crimp Pie Crust

As Franklin highlights, not only do pies have to taste good, they have to look good. If you're new to pastry-cased pies and want them to look as beautiful as Franklin's, here's a great tutorial on how to crimp those edges professionally, to keep your filling in and your exterior looking impeccable.

How to Decorate Pies

Find out how to decorate your pastry pie with these five easy ways to put a professional finishing touch to your pastry bake in this video from Tasty.

Introducing the Melton Mowbray Pork Pie

The beloved British Melton Mowbray Pork Pie is as nostalgic as pies get. The roughly-chopped pork and pork jelly interior, sealed inside a sagging, crumbly melt-in-your-mouth crusty pastry, is over 200 years old with, a history to boot. This one has endured brawls, battles, sporting competitions and even had a hat named after it.

Find out more in this entertaining clip with Sue Perkins from The Great British Bake Off:

How to Make a Devonshire Squab Pie

There's no pigeon in this mysteriously named dish, simply good old-fashioned Victorian cooking in a simple but delicious pie centred on mutton and apples.

How to Make Steak and Guinness Pie

A young Jamie Oliver bakes up a rich and flavourful steak and Guinness pie encased in a light, flakey puff pastry.

How to Make Calum Franklin's Fish Pie

Not all pies have to be encased in pastry - here's Calum Franklin's take on fresh fish pie, a comfort dish of wonder.

How to Make Vegan Shepherd's Pie

If you're looking for a great meat-free version of a classic, try this recipe for vegan shepherd's pie packed with beans, pulses, vegetables and herbs, then topped with soft sweet potato and finished with crispy breadcrumbs.

Michelin Chefs Make Pies

Even three-Michelin-starred chefs can't resist a bit of pie magic. We've rounded up some of the best recipes from Gordon Ramsay’s shepherd’s pie and Marco Pierre White’s chicken and leek pie in a white sauce - two British classics, to Momofuku Milk Bar's Christina Tosi's Crack Pie, and a custard tart recipe from Bouchon, Beverly Hills.

Michelin chefs make pies

Basics with Babish - Sweet Pies

Pies are perfect for any time of the day, sweet or savoury. Here Babish talks about the basics of making a really good pie - whether it's blueberry, apple, or pumpkin.